It’s been a long time since Super Smash Bros. director Masahiro Sakurai revealed that the 3DS version of the upcoming fighter would allow the player to customise the thickness of the character outlines (or turn them off completely). However, we we haven’t heard much of this feature since then.

Today, Sakurai revealed a comparison shot on Miiverse for the Smash “pic of the day”, noting how it will affect the 3D. It features Link and Mario, with and without the outlines.

“They give off a different impression in 3D”

He says: “Here’s a comparison of characters with and without their outlines on the 3DS version. They also give off a different impression in 3D, so customize the look however you like.”

It won’t be for everyone, but it seems as though it could be a handy visual aid to keep up with the hectic battling on the small 3DS screen, especially for those that prefer to play in 2D.

I’ll go with the outlines. It just looks so much better on a small screen!

Makarthekorokwarrior

The outlines help keep the characters visible against the super-detailed background on a tiny screen. I’m sure the 3D would help with that also, but the black line certainly doesn’t hurt. The only thing that might be confusing, is that the black line probably doesn’t actually have any substance, since you can turn it on and off, so I’m guessing if you were strike someone and just scrape the outline, it wouldn’t do anything at all to damage them, which could be slightly confusing.

CEObrainz

It’s good to get further insight as to why the outlines were used and in this case it’s totally justified. I’m sure turning the 3D on will certainly make for a pretty image, however due to smash’s action packed nature, perhaps it’s a tad too much?

Ulises

you are right, I’m pretty sure our eyes will have a very hard time
handling all those fancy effects in a 3D fashion. Maybe I could play the
story in 3D but that’s it, for versus matches I’ll stick to 2D.

Shona

I love that we have the choice, and agree with Makar that they make the characters stand out more. I can’t see myself playing in 3D because during battles I might be pressing the buttons furiously, which can make it hard to hold the 3DS still enough to see the 3D without making it go funny.